Nainggolan: “I deserve the World Cup”

Radja Nainggolan spoke with Belgian media members before kick-off at Roma-Cagliari.

You’ve complained before about not playing for the national team…
“I was capped at nearly every national youth level then…nothing. I thought it was because I was playing for Cagliari, a small club, but now I’m at Roma and still things haven’t changed. Honestly, I think I deserve the World Cup in Brazil, but it’s up to the manager to decide.”

Did Wilmots talk to with Garcia about this?
“I don’t think so, but Wilmots is wise enough to make his own choices in complete autonomy.”

Do you hold a grudge against Wilmots?
“I have nothing against him, I’m just sorry I wasn’t given a chance to prove my worth.”

Do you think you were given a chance against the Ivory Coast?
“Yes, even though I was nervous, it was the first time I was allowed to play. I tried to do my best ”

How would you rate your chances for Brazil?
“I’m not sure. There is De Bruyne, Witsel, Fellaini, Dembele, Defour, Chadli: 6 players for 3 positions. And there’s Timmy Simons, but I don’t think we should judge the names, instead the performance in the field.”

What more can you give to the national team?
“The same I do for my club when I play: I always want to win . But in reality, it’s not up to me to answer this question.”